About CHAMPIONS
CHAMPIONS (Comprehensive Heart and Multidisciplinary Limb Preservation Outreach Networks) is a community-focused vascular prevention and wellness initiative that delivers free screenings and education to the public while promoting equitable patient-centered evidence-based care.
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CHAMPIONS was founded and successfully piloted in the San Joaquin Valley by UCSF Fresno vascular surgeon, Dr. Leigh Ann O’Banion in 2021. In 2023 the Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures partnered with Dr. O'Banion, motivated by a shared goal to advance prevention and management of vascular disease for all people. CHAMPIONS has since attended multiple community events, and has served over 1000 individuals.
Our Mission
To drive systemic change through community-based prevention and management of vascular diseases, guided by the patient voice and evidence-based research
Our Vision
A future where every individual, irrespective of background or economic status, has access to proactive, community-driven healthcare that prevents vascular disease and promotes long-term wellness
The CHAMPIONS Model
Community-Based Cardiovascular
Risk Screening
Screening individuals for PAD, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obesity, with a focus on populations that do not access specialty care.
Health Education
Educating populations and raising
broad-based awareness regarding
cardiovascular risk factors, the
importance of self-care, and
available health services.
Medical Student Training
Training medical students in public outreach and care for underrepresented communities, and providing internships for medical students who conduct research.
Coordination of Access-to-Care
Connecting individuals with insurance and healthcare services, while integrating prevention care and risk management efforts within community-based care.
Research
Investigating challenges and motivators to prevention-oriented health behavior, increasing health engagement, and enhancing the effectiveness of education.
